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Variations in plantar pressure variables across five cardiovascular exercises
Judith M Burnfield1, Amy G Jorde, Tanner R Augustin
1Movement Sciences Center, Institute for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, Lincoln, NE 68506, USA. JBurnfield@madonna.org
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|November 8, 2007
Summary
Recumbent biking and stair climbing minimize forefoot pressure, while biking, stair climbing, and elliptical training reduce heel pressure. These findings aid in selecting exercises for individuals needing pressure relief, such as those with diabetic foot neuropathies.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Plantar pressure distribution is crucial for understanding foot function during physical activity.
- Variations in plantar pressure can indicate risks for certain foot conditions, like diabetic foot neuropathies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify and compare plantar pressure variations across five common cardiovascular exercises in healthy adults.
- To identify exercises that minimize pressure on different foot regions (forefoot, arch, heel).
Main Methods:
- Plantar pressure data were collected from 20 healthy adults (10 young, 10 middle-aged) during walking, running, elliptical training, stair climbing, and recumbent biking.
- One-way repeated measures ANOVAs were used to analyze differences in peak and average pressures across exercises and age groups.
Main Results:
- Recumbent biking and stair climbing yielded significantly lower forefoot pressures compared to walking and running.
- Running generated the highest arch pressures, while recumbent biking consistently showed the lowest pressures across all foot regions.
- Walking and running produced the highest heel pressures, whereas recumbent biking, stair climbing, and elliptical training offered reduced heel pressures.
Conclusions:
- Recumbent biking and stair climbing are recommended for individuals requiring reduced forefoot pressure, such as those with diabetic foot neuropathies.
- For heel protection, recumbent biking, stair climbing, and elliptical training are beneficial due to their lower pressure-generating capabilities.
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